SIGNING Charlie Raglan lessened the importance of keeping Chey Dunkley at Oxford United, according to Michael Appleton.

The U’s head coach was delighted to clinch a move for the 24-year-old, who impressed despite limited playing time on loan from Chesterfield last season.

It came hot on the heels of fellow centre back Dunkley’s departure to Wigan Athletic.

Appleton is still keen to strengthen his defensive unit this summer.

But knowing Raglan’s signature was in the bag did ease the blow of losing out on Dunkley to another Sky Bet League One club.

“It did, absolutely,” the U’s boss said. “We did everything we could to keep Chey.

“He was offered three deals and the last one was pretty much double his salary, so you can’t do much more than that.

“He’s probably gone and doubled what we offered at Wigan and good luck to him.”

Dunkley kept Raglan out of the side during the winter, but Appleton was impressed with the latter’s attitude.

He said: “The way he handled himself through the whole season whether he was in or out of the side was very professional.

“Off the field he was fantastic, he got on with all the players and fitted in really well.”